lexicographic anomalies

Geoff: Why is hatred of homosexuals called homophobia? It doesn't really make sense:

Homo simply means "similar" (as in homogeneous).

Phobia means "irrational fear".

So homophobia should mean "irrational fear of those similar to oneself".

But it doesn't, it isn't a fear (although I will concede that it is irrational). It's hatred. Those who "suffer" from it are not afraid, they're simply arseholes.

Aura: Ah, I see the meaning of the words just explain it a little differently. Those who suffer homophobia do not fear the homosexuals, they fear being similar to homosexuals. Yes it is hatred, but mostly self-hatred. It is sad that they would take it out on those who have accepted the sexual attraction to the same gender about themselves. But I do see how that could be threatening. Lying to yourself is no fun so if there are those who accentuate the lie, it hurts. Still it must be easier to say "I hate you" than it would be to say "I am lying to myself".

Aura: Btw, that is not just my opinion, they studied it and it turns out that strong anti-gay feelings do indeed go together with closeted homosexuality.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/homophobia-homosexuality-gay_n_1412846.html

CoIin: That's an interesting anomaly, Geoff.

I guess it happened for the same reasons that we talk of cheeseburgers today. The "ham" in hamburger has nothing to do with grub.

Karma: The prefix miso- means hate. As in misanthrope or misogynist.
So in this case, it is more apt than the suffix -phobe.